PLANE PULL FOR CHARITY – On Sept. 29, the Weehawken Police Benevolent Association, organized by Lt. Richard DeCosmis, will be gathering at Newark Airport to raise money for the N.J. Special Olympics. Last year the team raised over $5,000, ranking fourth among dozens of teams. Police officers literally pull planes along the runway with a rope. Those interested in donating to the cause can visit SpecialOlympicsNewJersey.org, click on “events,” and then "LE Plane Pull.” Click on “Support” to make a donation to the “Weehawken PBA/CKO Edgewater” team.

The seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccine will be distributed on Oct. 12 at the following sites and times:

-The Senior Nutrition Center, 201 Highwood Ave., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

-The Community Room, 525 Gregory Ave., 2 p.m. to 4p.m.

All interested seniors are asked to call the Senior Center at (201) 319-6060 to sign up for the vaccine. Vaccines will be distributed for free by North Hudson Community Action Corporation.

Weehawken Recreation offers tennis lessons

Weehawken Recreation will offer tennis lessons at the Weehawken Waterfront Complex and is holding registration for classes. Class size is limited to eight students and must be paid for prior to first class.

For students age 5 to 6, one-hour classes will be held Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for 5 weeks beginning on Sept. 22. Total cost is $30.

Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays for students age 7 to 8 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students age 9 to 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Lessons are one hour long and will meet twice a week for five weeks beginning Sept. 24. Total cost is $60.

Please sign up by at weehawkentennis@gmail.com. Please email or call the Recreation Dept. at 201-319-6061 with any questions.

SARTONK sponsors writing contest

Union City’s SARTONK has launched the inaugural Ali-King Award for Writing in Boxing. Co-sponsored by the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, New Jersey Association of USA Boxing, Gleason’s Gym, and Global Boxing Gym, this year’s contest is geared toward boxers and boxing enthusiasts between the ages of 17 and 22, who live in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

“The contest’s intention is to promote literacy and inspire youth to think about our sport’s social and historical significance,” explains Hasmig Tatiossian, SARTONK’s Director of Community Affairs. Regarding their influential list of sponsors, she intimates, “As the creator of championship belts, we’re in the position to draw the support of key entities in boxing -- internationally and locally. Imagine the enthusiasm of the winners when their certificates bear the distinct logos of such sponsors. The result, we feel, is truly empowering.”

Participants are asked to choose one of four essay topics ranging from autobiographical analyses of boxing to the role of women in boxing, or the historical impact of leaders like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr.

“We set out to honor Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. for their positive social contributions. We feel that awarding an ‘Ali-King Award’ to boxing youth would be an appropriate way of doing this while also inspiring these young minds,” comments Edward S. Majian, President of Sartonk Designs.

Winners will be presented with their awards, including an original SARTONK design, at the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet in November, where they will be able to address an audience studded with local stars.

More information about the contest, including submission guidelines, deadlines, awards, and ways for you to help support it can be found on www.sartonk.com/ali-king. Questions can be sent to hasmig@sartonk.com.

Weehawken Weekenders to hold trips in fall

On Oct. 3, the Weehawken Weekenders will attend “Octoberfest” at the Royal Manor in Garfield, for $45.

On Oct. 13, they will visit the Nordic Lodge with all you can eat lobster and more in Charlestown, R.I. and proceed to Mohegan Sun Casino, for $125.

The Weekenders are also planning an eight-night Canadian and New England cruise on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, departing from Bayonne on Aug. 31, 2013 and sailing through Sept. 8.

All trips include transportation and gratuities. Call the Weekenders office at (201) 319-6059 for more information or to make a reservation.

Weehawken Seniors Club seeks new members

The Weehawken Senior Citizens Club is looking for new members. They meet on the first and third Friday afternoons of each month.

Why not come and spend a couple of hours in an air conditioned room, and visit with your old friends? Refreshments will be served, a “Share the Wealth” drawing will be held, and games will be played.

In addition, the club holds special holiday dinners, luncheons, and other events and activities. New members are only strangers the first time they come. Those interested can call (201) 867-5126.